Hey I did a search and there really isn't much up-to-date information about Bolivia here. Amongst a couple other possibilities I'm considering heading to Bolivia to teach. I've lived there for 5 months before on a study abroad program so I already know what life is like there and I supposedly still have friends there.

But what's the job situation like? I'm mainly interested in La Paz and maybe Sucre. What places should I apply to? How difficult will the visa situation be as an American?

Don't know anything about the job situation. But Americans are required to get a visa at a cost of $135. The great thing is that it's a five year visa. You'll also need an up to date yellow fever vaccination card.

Any info at all about jobs or schools? I'll be visiting Bolivia in the first two weeks of February. I'd like to have a few interviews while I'm there and if I find a situation that seems alright I'll stay. I get the impression that Bolivia isn't a very typical or popular tefl destination so I'm sure the native speaker/CELTA thing will greatly work to my advantage if I can figure out where to apply in the first place.

Any info at all about jobs or schools? I'll be visiting Bolivia in the first two weeks of February. I'd like to have a few interviews while I'm there and if I find a situation that seems alright I'll stay. I get the impression that Bolivia isn't a very typical or popular tefl destination so I'm sure the native speaker/CELTA thing will greatly work to my advantage if I can figure out where to apply in the first place.

So I still don't arrive in Bolivia for another week or two. But I've looked into things and found some schools. I'm pretty concerned about the visa/work permit situation though. I haven't found any info specifically tefl-related, but a couple internet sources claim it is possible to enter on a tourist visa and get a work permit (I have a tourist visa) when you find a job, while most say you need to enter on a special purposes visa if you want to eventually work. Anybody know about this? I had to get a student visa last time I was there and I know what a mess those tramites are.

To those of you thinking about moving to Bolivia, beware of Santa Cruz, in particular Cambridge College, who are once again advertising for EFL teachers. Please read my other entries in this forum and if in doubt ask me for further information. I would hate for anyone else to go through what myself and 3 other ex-colleagues have gone through.

So I entered Bolivia on a tourist visa to hangout with some friends. I didn't try very hard in terms of job hunting but I got the impression that there are way less schools in Bolivia compared to other countries like Colombia or even Peru. I had one interview at a small institute the first day I arrived in La Paz and although I was offered work I was pretty discouraged about working in Bolivia. That place hired teachers on tourist visas meaning that you'd have to leave after 3 months and wait an entire year before being able to return. The guy I interviewed with said that work visas for Americans are $700 and maybe I'm wrong, but I sort of figured that it was industry-standard there that employers won't cover that since this particular one wouldn't. So I could've stayed for 3 months, but I just wasn't feeling it at the time.

Bolivia is a wonderful country, though. The people there are so nice. I can't wait to go back! Right now I'm either going to go to Asia or save money at home somehow so I can afford to travel there and spend more time with my friends. I also think I will make a more serious effort finding work there next time.

Just wondering if you could give us an update! Did you end up going to Asia or have you tried again in Bolivia? I'm loosely thinking of looking for work in Bolivia - what advice would you give, if any?